Online healthcare system and methods

ABSTRACT

An online healthcare method provides online health care from a healthcare provider to a patient online, comprising: (a) providing online communication between the patient and the healthcare provider; (b) providing online diagnosis and treatment by the provider for the patient; and (c) providing the user&#39;s medical records online to be accessed by the patient and the healthcare provider in providing online diagnosis and treatment. The online healthcare method also comprises providing an online offer from the patient to the healthcare provider to pay a predetermined amount for a medical procedure desired by the patient; and providing an online reply from the healthcare provider to the patient accepting, denying, or countering the offer from the patient.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationentitled “Online Healthcare System and Methods” filed on Oct. 16, 2006for an on behalf of Robert B. Hyte of American Fork, Utah. Saidapplication is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to online healthcare systems and methods. Moreparticularly, this application concerns an online healthcare systemhaving means to enable a user to establish and communicate withhealthcare providers, healthcare insurers, health savings accounts andhealth procedure financing.

BACKGROUND

As we move into the 21st century, the U.S. healthcare system isstruggling. Medical costs and insurance costs are rising substantiallyfaster than the cost of living or increase in income. A greaterpercentage of the population has reached retirement age, with fixedincomes that cannot handle these increases. Managed care organizations,like HMOs, PPOs, and other medical insurance providers have increasinglytaken over the medical profession, dictating when medical services willbe given, who will do them, and how much will be charged. While overheadcontinues to increase, managed care providers limit the services thathealthcare professionals can provide, impacting their ability tocompete.

The consumers are also unhappy with the healthcare system, as insurancepremiums rise, services are reduced and personal choice is restricted.Employers are capping or even eliminating their contributions to medicalinsurance. Millions of Americans are uninsured or minimally insured, asthe system becomes less available at today's prices.

In 2003, Congress responded to these problems by providing theopportunity for families to establish Health Savings Accounts (HSA).First, they must enroll in a qualified high deductible health plan(HDHP) which provides coverage for catastrophic illnesses, while keepingpremiums relatively low. The consumer is able to contribute to the HSAfrom pre-tax dollars deducted from his payroll income. The HSA pays forall medical expenses not covered by the HDHP. Since the consumer ispaying, he is able to take control back of his medical destiny,determining what medical services are provided by whom and when.

Although these developments have been helpful, it is difficult for aconsumer to navigate the complex landscape of setting up the right HDHPand HSA to be able to utilize the new freedom that has been provided.Also, he now has more freedom to select a physician and other healthcareproviders, but this requires time to look for suitable serviceproviders. Greater information is needed by the consumer to makeappropriate decisions in these areas. Information technology, includingthe internet, must play an important role is enabling the consumer toestablish his custom-made healthcare program.

A few internet-related procedures have been developed for healthcareproviders. U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0065758 (Henley)discloses an online auction system allowing prospective patients to bidon proffered services of professional services providers. U.S. Pat. No.6,006,191 (DiRenzo) shows a system for patients to bid on physicians'services of diagnosing electronic medical images. U.S. Published PatentApplication 2002/0128879 (Spears) shows an online system for providingand coordinating personalized healthcare and insurance information toassist a consumer in coordinating with his employer to customize hisbenefits plan.

None of the foregoing documents disclose a comprehensive online systemfor handling all necessary aspects of a customized healthcare plan foreach consumer—including establishing an HDHP insurance plan, an HSA tocoordinate therewith, various discounts for healthcare professionals,pharmaceuticals and dietary and nutritional supplements, online meansfor learning about and selecting suitable healthcare providers,provisions for negotiating the charges and times for the delivery ofhealthcare services, online avenues for financing when necessary, familywellness coordination, and medical records online access for both thepatient and the physician.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present implementations, an online healthcaremethod is provided, comprising (a) providing online communicationbetween the patient and the healthcare provider; (b) providing onlinediagnosis and treatment by the provider for the patient; and (c)providing the user's medical records online to be accessed by thepatient and the healthcare provider in providing online diagnosis andtreatment.

In another embodiment of the present implementation, an onlinehealthcare method provides online health care from a healthcare providerto a patient, comprising (a) providing online communication between thepatient and the healthcare provider; (b) providing an online offer fromthe patient to the healthcare provider to pay a predetermined amount fora medical procedure desired by the patient; and (c) providing an onlinereply from the healthcare provider to the patient accepting, denying, orcountering the offer from the patient.

In another embodiment of the present implementation, an onlinehealthcare method provides online health care from a healthcare providerto a patient, comprising (a) providing an online network of healthcareproviders; (b) searching the online network to find a suitablehealthcare provider for the patient; (c) submitting an online requestfrom the patient to hire the healthcare provider; and (d) submitting anonline reply from the healthcare provider accepting or denying therequest from the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating the functions of an onlinehealthcare system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a flow diagram showing an overview of the various functionsof the embodiment of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the functions of the health discountservices, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow diagrams showing the functions of the onlinehealth consultations, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B:

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the functions of the onlinedoctor-patient matching and bidding services, according to theembodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5A is a flow diagram showing the functions of the online patientassistance services, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5B is a flow diagram showing the functions of the online patientfinancing services, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the functions of the high deductiblehealth plan insurance services, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the functions of the health savingsaccount services, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an overview of the functions of thehealthcare provider's services, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing the functions of reading and answeringpatient offers, according to the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the functions of reading and answeringpatient email consultation requests according to the embodiment of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the functions of reading and answeringpatient email requests to refill prescriptions, according to theembodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the functions of reading and answeringpatient's appointment requests, according to the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the functions of reading and answeringpatient notes, according to the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the functions of editing providerprofiles, according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present implementation, referred to herein as the Direct AccessSystem, involves an online internet portal that enables users to accesshealthcare products and services directly and to interrelate the userwith selected healthcare providers, healthcare insurers, health savingsaccounts (HSA), and other related goods and services. The presentimplementation also enables an online user to seamlessly obtainhealthcare insurance, a health savings account, and a medical discountaccount.

Using the Direct Access System of the present invention, a user maycontact healthcare providers and establish a relationship online undermutually acceptable financial terms. It also enables a user to use theinternet to make appointments with healthcare providers and obtaindiscount coupons for use during the visits. The present implementationenables a user to visit with a healthcare provider online for certaindiagnoses and medication where a face-to-face visit is unnecessary. Thepresent implementation also enables the user to secure ahigh-deductible, health plan (HDHP) using a selected insurer, to obtaina health savings account (HSA), and if necessary obtain financialassistance in carrying out medical procedures. According to the presentimplementation, a user may also obtain a medical discount card thatenables the user to a number of discounts and benefits through a networkof healthcare providers.

The Direct Access System enables a user to take personal control offinancial expenses and medical care decisions. Rather than allowing anHMO to decide which physician he sees and what medical care he will beable to receive, he is able to make those decisions for himself anddecide when, where, and how to spend his hard-earned funds. He is alsoable to use pre-tax dollars for those medical expenditures. It isunderstood that some of these features are available to the publicwithout using the Direct Access System. Part of the value and uniquenessof the present implementation is that a user is provided with directaccess to all of these public programs and much more in a single unifiedonline system to enable and expedite healthcare services.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, a block diagram 100 shows the main steps ofthe present implementation of the Direct Access System in one possiblesequence of execution. The method may be carried out in differentsequences or may omit one or more steps. At the first step 102, theDirect Access System directs the user to one or more separate andindependent companies to establish a high deductible health plan (HDHP).An HDHP program will primarily provide medical insurance coverage forlarge medical expenses, while routine and minor procedures will be paidfor directly by the consumer. This approach enables the consumer toreduce his healthcare insurance premiums dramatically, while maintainingcoverage for catastrophic illnesses. The savings in insurance premiumscan be invested tax-free in a health savings account and used for avariety of medical expenses.

Next, at 104, the user is directed to one or more programs to provide ahealth savings account (HSA). Typically, a government program allows theestablishment of such an HSA account only after an HDHP has been set up.This HSA account may be funded by pre-tax money from an employer orindependent consultant which is taken out of earnings prior to thewithdrawal of state and federal payroll taxes. These pre-tax funds areplaced in an HSA account, and the user is provided access to the accountby a debit card to charge health expenses as they are accrued. Any fundsthat are not spent on medical care in a given year may be carried overyear after year or can be used for retirement savings.

At step 106, the Direct Access System gives the user access to a varietyof healthcare discounts through a Direct Access Discount card. Deepdiscounts are provided for healthcare providers, such as medical,dental, chiropractic, vision, hearing, and prescription medication.Users of the Direct Access System are plugged into a network providingsubstantial savings in all of these areas.

At step 108, the Direct Access System enables a user to search for asuitable doctor for his needs at an agreeable price. The Direct AccessSystem establishes a network of physicians at reduced rates, savingsubstantial charges compared to normal fee schedules. Users are able tosearch for physicians that best meet their overall needs, by reviewingon the network a variety of physician information, including expertise,training, experience, schedule of charges, address, availability, and soforth. Once a physician is selected, a user may make an initialappointment online and may print out all important information, as wellas discount coupons for the first and subsequent visits.

At step 110, a user is provided with direct online consultation with aphysician regarding minor and routine medical problems. This approacheliminates personal physician visits for routine problems that can betaken care of over the internet, thereby reducing costs to the user.This approach also speeds up the treatment process so that health issuescan be quickly handled without waiting for a future doctor's visit. TheSystem also enables an attending physician to respond quickly at anyconvenient time rather than trying to crowd in all patients in hisoffice schedule. The user also eliminates costly waiting and irritatingtime often needed to see a physician.

At step 112, a user is given access to financing services, which can becoordinated with his HSA account to provide the funds needed forexpensive medical procedures that may be required.

At step 114, after medical consultation and treatment, the user isprovided with discounts for follow up pharmaceuticals, laboratoryprocedures, nutritional supplements, and health and beauty products. TheDirect Access System connects a user into a network of online stores andservices that provide substantial savings. Free or discounted laboratoryprocedures are also provided, such as online blood screening forcholesterol, chemicals, and CBC.

At step 116, the Direct Access System enables a user and his family touse a fitness and nutrition tracking system for help with weight loss,exercise, and managing medical conditions. The user is also providedwith a variety of wellness information, including healthy meal planningand recipes, graphing, goal setting, and chatrooms.

Finally, at step 118, the user is enabled to store and easily access avariety of his family's personal health and medical records. Access iscarefully controlled by the user, who can give his physicians and otherhealthcare providers limited, but easily retrieved access to his healthand medical records.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a flow chart 200 is shown giving an overallview of another format or implementation of the Direct Access Systemfrom a consumer or patient viewpoint. Here, the functions of the systemare separated into six different steps, each being explained more fullyin subsequent FIG.s. These steps and their functions are referred to asDirectAccess at 202—providing healthcare and pharmaceutical discountservices at 204, DirectVisit at 206—providing online medicalconsultations at 208, DirectOffer at 210—providing online doctor-patientmatching and bidding services at 212, DirectAssist at 213—providingpatient advocacy at 215, DirectCredit at 214—providing patient financingat 216, DirectHDHP at 218—providing qualified high deductible healthplan insurance at 220, and DirectHSA at 222—providing health savingsaccount services at 224.

Looking next at FIG. 2, the DirectAccess health discount services202-204 are shown in more detail. Consumers are able to use the tools toengage medical providers that are listed in the database, search formedical providers offering discounts and add their chosen pharmacies tothe database. At step 302, the user is directed to hire a healthcareprovider from a network of providers. As stated earlier, varioussearches at step 304 may be carried out to find a provider that issuitable to the needs of the user, including searches regardingexpertise, training, experience, schedule of charges, address, andavailability.

At 306, the user is asked if a doctor was found. If so, at 308, the usersubmits a hire form to the physician's office, proposing adoctor-patient relationship. At 310, the user determines whether thedoctor accepted his offer. If so, the user views his update of selectedprovider list at 312 and then moves on. If the doctor did not accept theoffer, then the user returns to the search block 304 to look further fora doctor. If the user is unable to locate a doctor in the system, thenat step 314, he may nominate a provider to be included in the networkand may submit a request form at 316 offering to hire the provider. Ifthe new provider accepts the offer at 310, then the provider list isupdated at 312.

At step 320, the user may locate discount benefits for healthcareservices. At step 322, the user searches for discount benefits providedby the System, including discounts for dental, chiropractic, vision,hearing, and pharmacy services. At step 324, the user may search forancillary discount providers, such as chiropractic, vision, hearing,dental, pharmacies, and so forth. Searching may be carried out howeverthe database allows, including by ZIP code.

Next, at step 330, the user may add a preferred pharmacy to the discountnetwork database by submitting a pharmacy profile at step 332. Thispharmacy may later be selected during refill requests. Then, at step334, the user may view and edit pharmacy profiles.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the DirectVisit online healthconsultation services 206-208 are shown in more detail. This part of theDirect Access System may be utilized to set up an office visit with aphysician, carry out an online visit, submit notes and other informationto a doctor, and request prescription refills from a selected medicalprovider. Looking first at FIG. 3A, a user starts the appointmentprocess at step 402. At 404, the system asked if a doctor has beenhired. If not, the user is directed at 406 to the DirectAccess portionof the System 204, where the doctor hiring process is conducted.

If a doctor has been engaged then at 408 the user completes anappointment request form and submits it to the doctor's office. The userthen reads his appointment schedule at 410 and if the appointment hasnot been accepted, he may revise his request and resubmit theappointment request at 412. If the appointment has been accepted at 414,the user may call and confirm at 416 and enter the appointment into hisschedule or otherwise archive the appointment at 418.

In the event that the user desires to start an online visit at 420, thesystem at 422 inquires as to whether he has hired a doctor. If not, at424 he is directed to the DirectAccess portion of the System 204, wherethe doctor hiring process is conducted. Otherwise, the user completesthe online request form describing the diagnosis or other informationrequested from the doctor and submits it to the doctor, at step 426.Then, at step 428, the user determines whether the visit has beenaccepted. If a fee is required, the user may submit credit cardinformation at 430. The doctor's response is then viewed at 432 and thevisit information is archived at 434.

The user may desire to provide a note to the doctor, at step 440. Thenote may be feedback regarding the online treatment, or otherinformation regarding the condition of the patient. The note commentsare submitted to the doctor, at 442, they may be edited first at 444.The doctor's response is viewed at 446 and archived if necessary, at448. In the event that a prescription refill is requested, the processgoes to FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B shows a process at 460 for online requests for refillingprescriptions. The system at 462 asked if he has hired a doctor. If not,at 464 he is directed to the DirectAccess portion of the System 204,where the doctor hiring process is conducted. Otherwise, at 466, theSystem looks for the medical prescription records of the user. If found,then at 468, the user submits to the doctor a request for a refill ofthe prescription. If the medicine needed is not found in theprescription records, then the medications are added at 470 and arequest is submitted to the doctor at 472 for a new prescription. Thesystem then goes to step 460 to get the new medication.

If the refill request is not accepted at 474 then the user edits therequest at 476 and resubmits the request. If it is accepted and thedoctor attached a fee, then, at 478 the user provides credit cardinformation to pay for the charge. The doctor's response is viewed at480 and the refill information is archived at 482.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the DirectOffer doctor/patient matching andbidding services 210-212 are shown in more detail. This part of theDirect Access System may be utilized to make an offer to a physician forspecific medical services. The selected medical provider may eitheraccept, counter, or decline the offer. Although the offer may be lessthan a doctor's standard schedule, this gives the doctor an opportunityto determine whether his time schedule would allow him to accept theoffer during regular hours or to schedule the visit during an otherwisedowntime or slow period.

At step 502, a user makes an offer to a doctor for services. At 504, thesystem asked if a doctor has been hired. If not, the user is directed at506 to the DirectAccess portion of the System 204, where the doctorhiring process is conducted. If the doctor has been hired, the offer iscompleted and submitted at 508. The user then views offers at 510 anddetermines whether the offer has been accepted at 512 by reading thereply at 514. If the offer was not accepted, the user may determinewhether a counter offer was submitted by the doctor at 516. If so, theuser may accept it and read the reply at 514. If the offer was declinedat 518, the user may make a new offer at 502. The user may print anaccepted offer at 520 and archive the offer at 522 if desired.

FIG. 5A shows the DirectAssist patient advocacy function 213 in moredetail. This set of online tools enables a member/patient to obtainonline assistance for a number of problems, such as healthcare bills,claim denials, billing overcharges, payment arrangements, and otherclinical issues. These tools of the Direct Access System help the memberto negotiate with the healthcare providers, the HSA entity, and theinsurance system. The healthcare advocate functions much like aconcierge in a luxury hotel with the expertise to solve problems andprovide effective solutions with regard to the member's healthcareissues.

At step 550, a query is made regarding problems or issues beingencountered by a member/patient. If not, a query is made as to whetherthere are sufficient funds for a suggested procedure, at step 552. Ifthere is a problem with funding, then the process goes directly to theDirectCredit utility described in FIG. 5B. If the query at 550 ispositive, then the member/patient submits an online assistance request,at step 556. An appropriate advocate is contacted by the system at step558, who then takes whatever action may be needed to resolve the problemonline 560.

FIG. 5B shows the DirectCredit patient financing services 216 in moredetail. Consumers are able to complete an online application forhealthcare credit through this web portal. First, a determination ismade at 602 regarding whether the user has sufficient funds to carry outa medical procedure or otherwise pay for medical services or products.If so, then the procedure is scheduled at 604. If not, then an onlinecredit application is completed at 606 and submitted at 608. When thenecessary funds are received they are deposited in the user's HSAaccount at 610. If the credit submission is refused, the user goes backto step 606 and completes an application to another credit entity.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the Direct Access System portion 220dealing with obtaining a qualified high deductible health plan iscovered in greater detail. A consumer is enabled to search for and applyfor the health plan of his choosing by using the Direct Access Systemtools contained in this tool set.

If it is determined at 620 that the user already has a qualified highdeductible health plan, then the user proceeds at 622 directly to theHSA portion 224 of the Direct Access portion of the System. If not, thenthe user utilizes the Direct Access System to conduct an online searchat 624 of available plans for available systems. The user selects anHDHP and submits an online application at 626 and later contacts anagent at 628 to verify that he has been accepted. If so, he proceeds via622 to the HSA process. If not, he returns to 624 to search for otheravailable plans.

The Direct Access System portion 224 dealing with establishing a healthsavings account is shown in more detail. A consumer is able to downloadan application to apply for a health savings account (HSA). Once amember has opened an HSA, the Direct Access System tools enables theconsumer to change his contributions or beneficiaries, make transfers,withdrawals, or rollovers by completing the appropriate forms. The toolset also includes a direct link to the custodial bank, enabling a memberto manage his HSA funds online. He is able to view all of histransactions, make transfers, withdrawals, and deposits on this secureportal.

First, at step 640, the user applies online for a health saving accountwith a qualified bank or other qualified institution. Before doing so, adetermination is made at step 642 as to whether the user has a highdeductible health plan. If not, step 644 directs him to the DirectHDHPportion 220 of the Direct Access System. If the user has a HDHP, thenthe user completes an online HSA application at 646 and submits it at648 to a bank or other qualified institution.

Once an HSA is obtained, then the user must manage the account at 650.At 652, he edits the profile of the HSA. At step 654 he determineswhether he self-paid for any qualified expense. If so, he adds theexpense to the HSA transactions, at 656. The user is then able to viewat 658 an update of all transactions and the HSA balance.

This part of the Direct Access System also enables a user to changeforms at 670 in the HSA. These form changes may include a change incontributions 672, change in beneficiary 674, transfer request 676,withdrawal 678 and rollover 680. All changes in the forms are thencompleted and submitted online to the bank handling the HSA, at 682.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram 700 is shown giving an overallview of another format or implementation of the Direct Access Systemfrom a healthcare provider viewpoint. The healthcare provider refers toa physician, physician's assistant, nurse, chiropractor, or otherhealthcare provider. Here, the functions of the system are separatedinto six different steps, each being explained more fully in subsequentFIGS. These steps and their functions are referred to as MyDirectOffersat 702—the provider reads and answers patient offers at 704,MyDirectVisits at 706—the provider reads and answers patient onlineemail consultations at 708, MyDirectRx at 710—provider reads and answerspatient prescription refill requests at 712, MyDirectAppts at714—provider reads and answers patient appointment requests at 716,MyDirectNotes at 718—provider reads and answers patient notes at 720,and MyDirectProfiles at 722—provider edits provider profiles at 724.

Looking next at FIGS. 8 and 9, the MyDirectOffers services 702-704 areshown in more detail. Using this internet based tool set of the DirectAccess System, a selected medical provider is able to receive and readoffer requests from member/patients to either engage the medicalprovider or to request a specific service from the provider. The medicalprovider may read the request and make a decision to accept, counter, ordecline the offer from the member, and the reply is submitted to themember.

At step 750, the provider views an updated patient list, which willchange as he accepts new patients. As stated earlier, the user may carryout various searches at step 304 to find a provider that is suitable tothe needs of the user, including searches regarding expertise, training,experience, schedule of charges, address, and availability. At step 752,a user submits an offer to hire the provider, which is then read by theprovider. A reply is sent by the provider, at step 754, accepting ordeclining the user's offer at 756.

If the patient has been accepted, he is added to the updated patientlist. The patient may then submit an offer for services, which is readby the provider at step 780. The provider then replies to the patient'soffer at 782, in which he accepts, declines, or counters the offer. Ifhe accepts the offer at 784, then he submits a reply to the patient at786, which the provider may archive for future reference at 788. If hesubmits a counter offer at 790 or declines at 792, these are alsosubmitted to the patient at 786 and archived at 788.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the MyDirectVisit function 706-708 is shownin greater detail. Using this tool set of the Direct Access System, aselected medical provider is able to receive and read virtual officevisits from member/patients. After a patient completes and submits aguided health questionnaire, the provider is able to offer a medicallyappropriate answer and attach an appropriate fee to be paid by thepatient. This service takes place on the secure web messaging portalcontained in the Direct Access System internet based tool set.

At step 802, the provider reads a direct online visit from apatient-user, which is printed at step 804. At 806, the provider alsoprints the medical records of the patient, which are made available tothe provider online if they are not already in the doctor's office ordatabase. The provider then studies the online visit and the medicalrecords and makes a diagnosis. He then replies to the patient at 808with an appropriate treatment and medication. If a charge is to beentered for the service, at step 810, an appropriate fee is attached tohis reply at 812, which is then submitted to the patient at 814. Therequest and reply are archived at 816 to be viewed by the provider at818.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the MyDirectRx function 710-712 is shown ingreater detail. Using this internet based tool set of the Direct AccessSystem, a selected medical provider is able to receive and read virtualprescription requests from a member/patient. The medical provider isable to review information provided by the patient and authorize arefill, change medication or signature, based on this information. Themedical provider is also able to process a new prescription request onbehalf of the member/patient by completing a fax form to be sent to apharmacy of the member/patient's choosing.

At step 852, the provider reads a direct online prescription requestfrom a patient-user, which is printed at step 854. At 856, the providerstudies the request and replies to the patient with an appropriateprescription. If there is a change in the medication at 858, the newmedication, dosage, frequency, or quantity are entered in the patient'srecords at 860. Next, a decision is made at 862 whether to fax theprescription. A new signature is entered at 864 and the fax form isprinted and sent at 866. A decision is made as to whether a charge is tobe entered for the service, at step 868. If so, an appropriate fee isattached to his reply at 870, which is then submitted to the patient at872 with the provider's comments.

At step 874, a determination is made as to whether the medical providerwould like to send a fax to a pharmacy of the patient's choosing. Theprovider clicks a Quick Rx button at 876 to determine whether thepharmacy is listed in the database of the Direct Access System, at 878.If not, the pharmacy is added at 880. If necessary, a new signature isentered into the system at 882. The pharmacy list is accessed at 884,and an appropriate fax is printed at 886.

Looking now at FIGS. 8 and 12, the My DirectAppointments function714-716 is provided in greater detail. A medical provider's view isgiven of the appointment request function of this internet based toolset of the Direct Access System. A medical provider is able to read andrespond to appointment requests made by a member/patient.

At step 902, the selected medical provider reads an appointment requestfrom a patient. At 904, the provider determines whether the request ispending. If so, at 906, the provider enters the scheduled date and time,and writes a reply to the patient as needed. At step 908, this messageis submitted to the patient, via the system, such as by an emailmessage. If the request is not pending, the process goes back to readanother appointment request, at step 902. The medical provider may alsoview completed appointments, at step 910. He may also click on acceptedappointments and view his schedule at 912.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 13, the My DirectNotes function 718-720 isshown in greater detail. An internet based tool set of the Direct AccessSystem is shown for viewing provider/patient notes. A medical provideris able to read and respond to notes from a member/patient using thistool set.

At step 922, the provider reads any outstanding active notes receivedfrom a member/patient. At 924, a determination is made as to whether thestatus is pending on a particular note. If so, at 926, the providerreads the message and enters a reply to the member/patient as needed.The message is submitted to the member/patient at 928, in anyappropriate fashion, such as via an email or fax message. If the note isnot pending, the process goes back to read another active note, at step922. The medical provider may also view completed notes at step 930. Hemay also click on accepted appointments and view his schedule at 932. Aquery is made at 934 as to whether the status is completed. If so, thenote has been read by the member/patient, at 936. If not, a query ismade as to whether the status is replied, at 938. If yes, the not iswaiting to be read by the member/patient, at 940. If not, the processgoes back to clicking on an accepted appointment and viewing theschedule, at step 932.

Looking now at FIGS. 8 and 14, the My DirectProfiles function 722-724 isshown in greater detail. A medical provider is able to manage theprovider profiles at 950, using this internet based tool set of theDirect Access System. The medical provider is able to add new providers,edit provider information, edit clinic information, and populate agroup/clinic personalized website.

At step 952, the provider is enabled to view providers on the database.He may edit the provider information at 954. At 956, the medicalprovider may decide to add a provider profile to the system. At 958, hesearches for the provider name in the system. A query is made at 960 asto whether the provider's name is in the system. If found, adetermination is made at 962 as to whether the information is correct.If so, the provider submits the new provider to the group in thedatabase at 964. If not, or if the provider is not found, the providerinformation is entered or edited in the database, at 966. At 970, thegroup profile may be accessed, and clinic information may be edited at972. At 974, the provider may access his webpage and make changes to thegroup profile page at 976.

While this invention has been described in certain embodiments, thepresent invention can be further modified with the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations,uses, or adaptations of the invention as described and/or claimedherein. The application is also intended to cover variations from thepresent disclosure within known or customary practices in the art towhich this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of theappended claims.

1. An online healthcare method for providing online health care from ahealthcare provider to a patient, comprising: (a) providing onlinecommunication between the patient and the healthcare provider; (b)providing online diagnosis and treatment by the healthcare provider forthe patient; and (c) providing the patient's medical records online tobe accessed by the patient and the healthcare provider for use in theonline diagnosis and treatment.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theonline diagnosis and treatment by the provider comprises the patientsubmitting symptoms and a diagnosis request to the provider.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the online diagnosis and treatment comprisesthe provider reviewing the patient's online medical records and thesymptoms submitted by the patient, and providing an online diagnosis tothe patient.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing anonline network of healthcare providers to the patient to select theprovider therefrom and storing the patient's selection of the provider.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an online offerfrom the patient to the healthcare provider for the patient to pay apredetermined amount for a selected service by the healthcare provider.6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing an online replyfrom the healthcare provider to the patient which accepts, counters ordeclines the online offer from the patient.
 7. The method of claim 1 andfurther comprising providing online access to a patient's highdeductible healthcare insurance program and a health savings account andcharging any fees from the healthcare provider against the highdeductible healthcare insurance program and the health savings account.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing online financingfor the treatment of the patient recommended by the healthcare provider.9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing discounts to thepatient for the healthcare provider's diagnosis and treatment of thepatient.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing onlinewellness information and records of the patient to assist the patient inpromoting his wellness, and to assist the healthcare provider in makingthe online diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing online patient advocacyassistance.
 12. An online healthcare method for providing online healthcare from a healthcare provider to a patient, comprising: (a) providingonline communication between the patient and the healthcare provider;(b) providing an online offer from the patient to the healthcareprovider to pay a predetermined amount for a medical procedure desiredby the patient; and (c) providing an online reply from the healthcareprovider to the patient accepting, denying or countering the offer fromthe patient.
 13. An online healthcare method for providing online healthcare from a healthcare provider to a patient, comprising: (a) providingan online network of healthcare providers; (b) searching the onlinenetwork to find a suitable healthcare provider for the patient; (c)submitting an online request from the patient to hire the healthcareprovider; and (d) submitting an online reply from the healthcareprovider accepting or denying the request from the patient.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising submitting a request from thepatient to add a healthcare provider to the network.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising submitting an online request for anappointment by the patient with the healthcare provider.
 16. The methodof claim 13, further comprising providing an online discount document tothe patient from the healthcare provider to use at the appointment. 17.The method of claim 13, further comprising providing online diagnosisand treatment by the healthcare provider for the patient.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising providing the patient's medical recordsonline to be accessed by the patient and the healthcare provider for usein the online diagnosis and treatment.
 19. The method of claim 13,further comprising providing an online offer from the patient to thehealthcare provider for the patient to pay a predetermined amount for aselected service by the healthcare provider.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising providing an online reply from the healthcareprovider to the patient which accepts, counters or declines the onlineoffer from the patient.
 21. The method of claim 13, further comprisingproviding online access to a patient's high deductible healthcareinsurance program and a health savings account and charging any feesfrom the healthcare provider against the high deductible healthcareinsurance program and the health savings account.
 22. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising providing online financing for anytreatment of the patient recommended by the healthcare provider.
 23. Anonline healthcare system for providing online health care from ahealthcare provider to a patient, comprising: (a) a network of computersproviding online communication between the patient and the healthcareprovider; (b) means for providing online diagnosis and treatment by thehealthcare provider for the patient; and (c) means for providing thepatient's medical records online to be accessed by the patient and thehealthcare provider for use in the online diagnosis and treatment. 24.An online healthcare system for providing online health care from ahealthcare provider to a patient, comprising: (a) a network of computersproviding online communication between the patient and the healthcareprovider; (b) means for providing an online offer from the patient tothe healthcare provider to pay a predetermined amount for a medicalprocedure desired by the patient; and (c) means for providing an onlinereply from the healthcare provider to the patient accepting, denying orcountering the offer from the patient.